Author Topic: Cheap basic signal generator vs bench model ?  (Read 1882 times)

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Offline lordvader88Topic starter

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Cheap basic signal generator vs bench model ?
« on: April 25, 2018, 01:40:30 pm »
I have a basic $10 XR2206 SigGen, which is only a few volts and only DC. I only really use to see if my scopes are working (I have some I'm working on). But it should be an investment to get a bench model, or even a broken 1 and try to fix it and learn. So I don't mind spending +$100-200. I love RF, so higher the freq. the better, I'm sure I'll need it.


But what do the proper bench models from the big brands really do, vs a brand new $100 FY3224S 24MHz for example (24MHz is still low I know)
 

Offline joseph nicholas

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Re: Cheap basic signal generator vs bench model ?
« Reply #1 on: April 25, 2018, 02:37:43 pm »
The more expensive models will give wave forms like cardiac.  Why this is in any way important is any ones guess.
 

Offline BillB

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Re: Cheap basic signal generator vs bench model ?
« Reply #2 on: April 25, 2018, 04:13:23 pm »
Higher output frequency, higher sampling rate, higher vertical resolution, fancier displays, more built-in waveform options, standard lab-interface (GPIB,SCPI) and better accuracy.
« Last Edit: April 25, 2018, 04:16:26 pm by BillB »
 

Offline lordvader88Topic starter

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Re: Cheap basic signal generator vs bench model ?
« Reply #3 on: April 25, 2018, 04:47:37 pm »
Noob Q but are they usually full AC output? And then with DC offset ?
 

Offline BillB

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Re: Cheap basic signal generator vs bench model ?
« Reply #4 on: April 25, 2018, 05:01:54 pm »
Yes, AC waveform with an optional, adjustable DC offset.
 

Offline Mr. Scram

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Re: Cheap basic signal generator vs bench model ?
« Reply #5 on: April 25, 2018, 05:08:42 pm »
The one purchase that really surprised me with its usefulness was the AWG. I bought it as a nice to have, but it ended up being a part of many projects and tests. Now I only regret having just one channel.

Both AC and DC settings allow you to emulate all sorts of signals. You can shift AC until it becomes DC.
 

Offline Gregg

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Re: Cheap basic signal generator vs bench model ?
« Reply #6 on: April 25, 2018, 07:08:16 pm »
You may want to look over the FY6600 thread; it may be an inexpensive solution with some hacking.
https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/feeltech-fy6600-60mhz-2-ch-vco-function-arbitrary-waveform-signal-generator/
It can be enhanced considerably by installing a linear power supply and a couple of op-amps; some of the forum members are working on new firmware. 
I bought one from a US warehoused company and it came with the latest firmware and have been following along with the improvements.
Feeltech is coming out with a newer model fy6800 that may bring the prices of the 6600 way down in the near future
 

Offline josh bowman

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Re: Cheap basic signal generator vs bench model ?
« Reply #7 on: October 13, 2018, 08:16:17 pm »
Hi I have a question about FY3224S (FY3200S-24M).  What does Scan rate: 1s ~ 999s / step mean?  I want to use this to sweep an FM radio to align it and need it to sweep 60 times per second.
 


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